It’s 5 PM on Friday. You’re watching the clock as if it’s counting down to midnight on New Year’s Eve.
*where’s the champagne?!*
The workweek is minutes away from being over, and you’re sitting on the edge of your chair.
Then suddenly, it occurs to you. You have zero weekend plans. And while this may be great news for your dog, it’s not exactly pleasing to you.
You pause to recenter and mentally scan your options. There’s a market in Hyde Park you’ve fluttered through more times than you can count. If you’re brave enough, you could tan by the pool without getting torrentially rained on in the morning…but then what?
We vote for trying something new. Spend an afternoon exploring the streets of Downtown Tampa!
If you’re scratching your head in utter desperation, curious about what the city has to offer, don’t worry. We’ll get you up to speed on all of the amazing things to do in Downtown Tampa.
Relax at a Coffee Shop
Victory Coffee & Tea
Located in Channelside, this little coffee shop is extremely popular with the local residents. Serving King State Coffee, sip on a delicious soy latte–one of the best in Tampa, by the way–a secret menu Lavender Vanilla Iced Coffee, or whatever your go-to order is.
Add a breakfast item or sandwiches to complete your perfect meal! Order the everything bagel with avocado–trust us, avocado toast will never be the same.
Quick tip: if you are a dog lover, this is puppy central. Visitors are known to bring the cutest dogs to this coffee shop!
Hours & Location
Saturday–Sunday | 7:00am–2:00pm
📍101 N 12th St, Tampa, FL 33602
More of our favorite coffee shops
Visit One of the Best Cocktail Bars
Park & Rec Tampa
Calling all game lovers, late-night enthusiasts, and anyone looking for endless entertainment…enjoy drinks and various games at Park & Rec! This arcade and bar provide adults with a fun flashback playground with odes to the ’90s.
Sip on sweet party pouches as you play retro arcade games, table hockey, garbage pong (giant beer pong), giant Jenga, and more.
Hours & Location
Monday | Closed
Tuesday –Friday | 5:00pm–3:00am
Saturday–Sunday | 12:00pm–3:00am
📍 290 S Meridian Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
More of our favorite cocktail bars
Eat at These Incredible Restaurants
Dio Modern Mediterranean is a true date destination. Velvet gem-toned booths and whitewashed exposed brick make for a darling atmosphere, with plates inspired by the coastal shores of the Mediterranean.
If you’re in the “I want to endlessly impress you” stage of your relationship, order the Astakos Linguine. It’s served with a beautiful whole lobster perched on a nest of linguine with Santorini tomato sauce. The entire situation is perfectly Instagrammable and highly delicious.
Hours & Location
Sunday–Thursday | 11:00am–12:00am
Friday–Saturday | 11:00am–2:00am
📍 519 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
More of our favorite restaurants
Bamboozle
Malio’s Prime Steakhouse
Anchor and Brine
The Battery
More restaurants and things to do along the Tampa Riverwalk
More restaurants in Sparkman Wharf
Grab a Quick Bite
Gigantic pizza slices made with New York water-infused dough? Yes, please. Eddie & Sam’s is home to Downtown Tampa’s best New York Style Pizza, slinging classic slices like Grandma’s Pie and Eggplant Parmigiana.
Their menu offers everything from salads and heros to pizzas and pasta, and you can be in-and-out within 15 minutes. Grab a creamy scoop of gelato on your way out. It’s perfettamente!
More of our favorite quick bite stops
We Explored Some of Our Favorite Attraction!
Revel in the Riverwalk
There’s so much to do and see along the Tampa Riverwalk. From shows at the Straz Center to relaxing at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, or having dinner at The Sail. Plan your next adventure there by checking out our guide to the Tampa Riverwalk!
Find Inspiration at a Local Museum
“Welcome to wander. Welcome to wonder.” That’s the mantra the Tampa Museum of Art lives by every single day. We love this gorgeous two-story museum for its commitment to talent and imagination. They’re known for their rotating exhibits, showcasing world-class artists like Yayoi Kusama. You can see what’s currently on exhibit here.
Insider tip: If you’re a Bank of America cardholder, you’re eligible for free admission on the first weekend of every month.
Hours & Location
Monday–Sunday | 10:00am–5:00pm
📍120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
More of our favorite museums
Treat Yourself to a Little Entertainment
Amalie Arena is the cornerstone of the best things to do in Downtown Tampa. It’s home to our beloved Tampa Bay Lightning team and gives our city access to every headlining artist we could ever hope to see in concert. See for yourself.
Hours & Location
Upcoming schedule
📍 401 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
More of our favorite entertainment options
Enjoy the Best Ways to Get Around
Here's How We Spend a Day in Channelside
More Things to Do in Downtown Tampa
For more things to do in Downtown Tampa, follow UNATION on Facebook, Instagram, or download our app (iPhone/Google Play). And don’t forget to check out more of our guides!
See you in the city!
Locally curated guides
Here are some awesome guides, from us to you.
Todd Grasley
The Ultimate Tampa Bay Summer Bucket List
Kirsten Nye
10 Best Day Trips from Tampa Bay to Plan This Weekend
Madison Skipper